Would city hopping from Greece to Poland via land within 2 weeks be too much?

Exploring Southern and Eastern Europe: Is a Two-Week City-Hopping Journey Feasible?

Embarking on a multi-city adventure across Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, and Poland within a limited timeframe is an exciting prospect for travel enthusiasts. If you’re contemplating a two-week (up to 18 days) land journey through this region, it’s essential to evaluate the practicality, logistics, and budget considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Proposed Itinerary Overview

Your envisioned route includes:

• Athens to Thessaloniki
• Thessaloniki to Skopje
• Skopje to Belgrade
• Belgrade to Budapest
• Budapest to Krakow
• Krakow to Poznan

Travel Mode and Accommodation Preferences

The plan primarily relies on bus transportation, with possibly overnight stays in each city to maximize sightseeing time. You’re open to trying hostels for accommodation, which can be an economical and social way to experience local culture. Overnight buses and trains are acceptable options to save time and on accommodation costs.

Key Considerations

1. Priorities and Must-Visit Locations:
   You’ve highlighted Poland, especially Poznan, as a key destination. While exploring attractions, museums, and sightseeing spots is appealing, your focus is on experiencing the cities through walking and general sightseeing rather than extensive museum visits.

2. Budget Planning
   While the trip isn’t strictly budget-restricted, you seek to keep expenses manageable. An estimated budget of around €3,000 (excluding international flights) is your target for accommodations, intercity transport, food, and entrance fees.

3. Travel Logistics and Timing
   Traveling in September to October offers pleasant weather for walking and sightseeing. Given the tight schedule, efficient planning for bus schedules and transfer times is crucial to maximize your time in each city.

4. Immigration and Visa Considerations
   Ensure you review visa requirements for each country in your route, particularly for non-EU citizens traveling through North Macedonia and Serbia.

5. Booking Accommodations and Transportation
   Pre-booking buses and hostels where possible will help streamline your journey and avoid last-minute hassles. Utilizing platforms like Omio, FlixBus, or local bus companies can provide schedules and booking options.

6. Flight Arrangements and Entry Points
   Your plan to fly from Southeast Asia to London, then to Athens, and later return through London leverages cost-effective round-trip fares due to your brother’s pilot status. Consider the most convenient airport